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Exercise Science and Sports Leadership (ESSL)

Professor: G. Farnell (chair); Associate Professors: J. Zera, A. Simonson; Assistant Professors: B. Turner, J. Beiting; Practicum/Internship Coordinator: B. Beigie

The majors in Exercise Science or Sports Studies are offered by the Department of Exercise Science and Sports Leadership (ESSL).

The Exercise Science and Sports Leadership majors at John Carroll University are committed to the value and importance of physical activity in the lives of all people. To that end the program provides a comprehensive curriculum that encourages the development of knowledge, skills, and dispositions across the continuum of physical activity, including: 1) the PE 100-level physical activity curriculum; 2) the Exercise Science major; and 3) the Sports Studies major (see the Mike Cleary Major in Sports Leadership).

Unless otherwise specified, no more than eight 1-credit courses from any combination of courses in Arts and Sciences (AR), Academic Success (AS), Communication (COM) 1154-1197, Career Education (CE), Fine Arts (FA), International Cultures (IC) and/or Physical Education (PE) 1200-1800 may be applied toward graduation.

The major programs are grounded in broad-based curriculum that provide depth of knowledge in the scientific foundations of human movement and human behavior as preparation for graduate school and multiple career opportunities, as well as a breadth of knowledge within the humanities, social sciences, philosophy and religion, integrated into the majors’ curriculum through the liberal arts Core. The Exercise Science and Sports Leadership programs are grounded in the dignity of the individual and promote goals and outcomes related to that dignity as well as the maximum achievement of individual potential.

Overview of the Majors

Exercise Science: A focus on the fitness, movement, motor, and sports skills of diverse populations. The Exercise Science major provides candidates with the knowledge, skills, dispositions, fieldwork, practicum and internship experiences to enter into careers in fitness, wellness, and allied health. Upon graduation, Exercise Science majors have entered graduate programs in such areas as exercise physiology, athletic training, nutrition, nursing, occupational therapy, physical therapy, chiropractic, strength and conditioning, and personal fitness. Candidates may need additional prerequisite course work depending on the graduate program selected. One on one academic advising will assist the candidates in preparing an individualized academic program. Candidates interested in a career in a health or allied health profession should register with the director of Pre-Health Professions. Exercise Science is recognized as an Education Recognition Program (ERP) by the National Strength & Conditioning Association (NSCA) and as an Exercise is Medicine (EIM) campus by the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM).

Sports Leadership: The foundation of the Sport Leadership major is the study of how sport is presented as a product to the public, the study of sport as human behavior, and the study of sport from an individual and collective framework. The major has a focus on administration, management, planning, and implementation of sports programs as well as sports-related cognate areas such as marketing, management, and communications. The Sports Leadership major provides candidates with the knowledge, skills, dispositions, fieldwork, practicum and internship experiences within a course of study responsive to their specific area of interest related to careers in sports and athletic administration, or coaching and personnel development. For additional information on the Sports Leadership major, see the Mike Cleary Major in Sports Leadership.

Candidates interested in one of these majors are encouraged to meet with an exercise science or sports leadership adviser to map out an inclusive four-year plan for graduation.

The Department of Exercise Science & Sports Leadership participates in the College of Arts and Sciences Professional Development Program. This program is integrated into the Foundations of Exercise Science and Sports Studies, Professional Development and Practicum Experience, & Internship and Seminar courses in both majors.

The Unit Learning Outcomes ESSL propose to accomplish:

  1. The development of knowledge, skills, and dispositions in the science of human movement and behavior through an integrated curriculum across content domains.

  2. The development of expertise in the application of knowledge, skills, and dispositions within course, field, and internship experiences relevant to professional values and goals.

  3. The development and implementation of communication skills across multiple domains, e.g., written, oral, and physical, that serve the primary role of conveying knowledge through implementation of practice, feedback, therapy, and ongoing support.

  4. The development of problem-solving, critical thinking, and reflective practices indicative of a knowledge and evidence-based practice based on a framework of conceptual knowledge.

  5. The development of appropriate professional behaviors as demonstrated through knowledge, skills, and dispositions within course work, fieldwork, practicum, internships, and professional opportunities.

  6. The development of values-based, ethical behavior grounded in the liberal arts, observed through personal and professional behaviors, and representative of the Ignatian ideal of a leader in service to others.